The Hilbert College Graduate Department hosted a barbecue last weekend for current and incoming students to the graduate programs.

The Graduate Department hosted the event in hopes that current graduate students, incoming graduate students, faculty, and alumni could have a chance to interact with one another before classes start.

Amanda Steffan, Director of Graduate Admissions and Student Services said the barbecue enabled students and staff to mingle and new students were able to gain some insight on the graduate programs from current students and alumni.

“I think overall we had a good turnout and an excellent mixture of current students with alumni,” Steffan said. It allowed us to foster conversations around what students are doing who have graduated and how they can become more involved with our current graduate programs.”

This event took place at Buffalo Harbor State Park where food, drinks, and yard games were provided for all who attended. It gave students and alumni a chance to talk with one another as well as their families about the program and their experiences.

Incoming Criminal Justice Administration, 4+1 student, Colin Windle says the barbecue was a good way to start the program since students could chat with one another and get to know their professors.

“I think the barbecue was a great way to get to know who else is in the grad program and a great way to talk to our professors and get to know them,” Windle said. “I am definitely excited to start this new chapter of my life, however I do feel like a freshman again as the grad program is all new to me.”

The first day of Graduate classes will take place on Saturday September 3 for the incoming 4+1 students.

“I know there are a lot of great resources to help me along the way at Hilbert,” Windle said.

There is plenty support from staff and professors involved in these programs and many students succeed.

Overall, the event had approximately 60 attendees and it could be beneficial to future students as well.

Graduate Assistant, Anthony DiNizo said he hopes events like this continue to be held in the future because they can be beneficial to the students.

“I found that it was a great experience to get to network with current 4+1 students, traditional graduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff,” he said. “I hope we explore this option in the future and continue our efforts as a Graduate Program to provide these rewarding experiences for our students.”